The Miami Heat have made some minor moves in the early days of 2024 NBA free agency. Kevin Love returns to the team on a two-year contract and Thomas Bryant re-signed with the Heat on a one-year contract. Also, Alec Burks will join the Heat on a one-year contract. None of these moves are the significant move that most Heat fans want the team to make. However, they are interesting.
Additionally, the Heat’s rookies signed their rookie contracts, as expected. Without further ado, let’s discuss the Heat’s moves in the first few days of 2024 NBA free agency.
Heat 2024 Offseason Part 7: Kevin Love Returns
It is unsurprising that Kevin Love has decided to stay with the Heat. However, Love declining his player option was a bit surprising. Some thought he might leave the Heat to join another team.
Despite that, it seems that Kevin Love declined his player option because he wanted the security of a two-year deal. That makes sense. Love is an NBA veteran with championship experience who provides spacing, rebounding, and passing. Love is also a leader on this Heat team that includes many younger players.
Kevin Love is a popular role player on this Heat team due to everything he brings to the table. Keeping Love doesn’t drastically change the Heat’s outlook for next season, but it is a good move nonetheless.
Kel’el Ware and Pelle Larsson Signed Their Rookie Contracts
Both Kel’el Ware and Pelle Larsson signed their rookie contracts with the Heat. This is a matter of course after the Heat acquired them both on draft night. Ware helps shore up the Heat’s frontcourt depth while Larsson’s offensive talent could help the Heat improve on offense. We will see how they both perform in their rookie seasons.
Alec Burks Joins the Heat on a Minimum Contract
Alec Burks is the newest member of the Miami Heat. Burks signed a one-year minimum contract with the Heat. Additionally, Burks averaged 10.4 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists while playing 66 games for the New York Knicks last season. Burks shot 37.6% from three-point range last season. Considering Burks is on a minimum contract, this seems like a decent addition for the Heat.
Heat 2024 Offseason Part 7: Thomas Bryant Returns on a Minimum Contract
Thomas Bryant stays with the Heat on a one-year minimum contract. Bryant had some good moments with the Heat last season. As with Burks, this seems like a decent if unexciting move for a Heat team with little money to spend.
Caleb Martin Declined His Player Option
One player who is almost certain to leave the Heat is Caleb Martin. Martin declined his $7.12 million player option and is now an unrestricted free agent. Reports indicate that the 76ers are interested in signing Caleb Martin. In any case, it is unlikely that Martin will be part of the Heat next season.
This is unfortunate, but Martin leaving this offseason was always a strong possibility. We will see what happens with him.
The California Classic Starts for the Heat in a Few Days
The Heat begin their preparation for next season with California Classic basketball on July 6th. The first game of the Heat’s California Classic campaign is against the Golden State Warriors’ preseason team. It will be interesting to see Ware and Larsson play for the Heat for the first time. Hopefully, they play well in these first few preseason games.
Check back next week for more Miami Heat content.